Authors in Training: Poetry PicnicEast Union Elementary School Carver, Minnesota Imagine a crowded classroom filled with excited students and display boards, almost as large as the students themselves. The display boards are decorated with students’ prized poetry, ready to share with peers, family, and community members. Several years ago this would not have happened; there would have been a reluctance for students to share their writing, let alone their thoughts and feelings on paper. Knowing that historically students at East Union had a difficult time writing, I developed a program, Authors in Training, to get them to write and receive encouragement for what they were writing. I believed that I would effectively accomplish this goal by getting parent and community support and involvement. I wanted the community to realize that our school is special by publishing quality student work. More... Julie Marso Siegle, Action Team Member (612) 448-4488 Type 2 | Elementary Grades | Literacy |
Family Night with Author, Deborah ChocolateScott School Naperville, Illinois The Instructional Coordinator and one member of the Parent Involvement Team worked collaboratively to coordinate "Scott School Family Night with Author, Deborah Chocolate." The tradition of storytelling was emphasized as students and their families gathered in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) to listen to African-American author, Deborah Chocolate. She shared her experiences as a writer, showed slides of her favorite books, and dramatically told some of the stories she has written. More... Josie Davis, (630) 420-6477 Type 4 | Elementary Grades | Literacy |
Storytelling Evening with Jim MayPrairie Elementary School Naperville, Illinois The Parent Involvement Team at Prairie Elementary School wanted to plan an event for families that would be a break from TV and other outside commitments. Storytelling has been around for many years and has been credited with motivating children to read and enhancing literacy. Many Prairie Elementary School families had heard Jim May at storytelling festivals, and offered rave reviews. As an Emmy award-winning storyteller, teacher, and author, Mr. May has told stories for fifteen years to people of all ages across the United States, and in Canada and Europe. The Parent Involvement Team thought "A Storytelling Evening with Jim May" would be a good way to bring students, faculty, and their families together for an entertaining and no-cost evening. More... Jack Pool, Principal (630) 420-6348 Type 4 | Elementary Grades | Literacy |